Computers and wi-fi

Wi-Fi

All our libraries offer free wi-fi with no time limits. It should also be available outside at libraries with gardens. We use 802.11ac. Wi-fi is also available on our mobile libraries, and in the Rowntree Park Reading Cafe.

Print from anywhere

You can print from the public computers in all libraries. At the bigger libraries (Acomb, Clifton, Tang Hall and York) the PC gives you a unique job number to securely & privately release your own print documents at the print kiosk. At the smaller libraries, print jobs come directly out of the printer and you simply hand your payment to a member of staff.

You are also able to print from your own mobile devices or from home by emailing print jobs to the printers at the bigger libraries (at Acomb, Clifton, Tang Hall and York). Send your print job to the relevant email address below, and you will receive a job reference which you can use to collect your print job within 72 hours. See information about the security aspects of this system on our policies webpage. See the prices on our fees and charges webpage.

Black & White

Colour

acombmono@printspots.com

acombcolour@printspots.com

cliftonmono@printspots.com

cliftoncolour@printspots.com

tanghallmono@printspots.com

tanghallcolour@printspots.com

yorklibrarymono@printspots.com

yorklibrarycolour@printspots.com

yorkarchivesmono@printspots.com

yorkarchivescolour@printspots.com

Public computers – using

Most of our libraries offer at least two PCs for public use. The only libraries which do not have PCs are our Mobile Libraries and Reading Cafes.

Members of the library can use our computers for free for up to two hours a day at Explore Centres or one hour at smaller libraries, subject to availability. You can split this allowance into more than one session, and sessions don’t have to be at the same library.

If you want to use a computer for longer, you can as long as no one else is waiting. Just ask a member of staff and they will charge for the additional time at the non-member rate. See the policies page for current pricing.

If you’re a visitor to York or choose not to join the library, you can still use our computers for a small fee.

The computers are switched off 10 minutes before the library closes.

Public Computers – Booking

Members of the library can book computer sessions up to a week in advance. Bookings are not essential but are recommended as the computers do get busy at times.

Please use our booking webpage to book a session. You’ll need your library card number and PIN to log in. Alternatively you can book by speaking to library staff at any branch.

If you’re a York Explore customer please note that the computers are split up into several areas so you will need to pick a room. If you need a quiet area to study, we recommend “Local History First Floor” or “Side Room Ground Floor”. Be aware that if you choose a computer in the “Family History Room” these are marked as “research only” so if you want to use games or social media please pick one of the other rooms.

Filtering

On the PCs and wi-fi, you might find that some webpages have been blocked by our automatic filter. This is intended to block illegal or harmful sites, and not as a barrier to legitimate internet use. Payday loans websites are blocked as part of City of York Council’s anti-poverty strategy.

As with any automated system, mistakes can be made, so please let us know if you come across a site you think has been blocked in error.

Staff support

Staff are available to offer basic support with computers or wi-fi as you need it, so feel free to ask.

If you’re a complete beginner and need more support, you might find one of our computer courses useful.